Communities along the River Thames warned to expect severe flooding into Tuesday
Communities along the Thames, particularly in Berkshire and Surrey, are being warned to expect further severe property flooding from the River Thames today (Monday) and into Tuesday.
The Environment Agency has issued 14 severe flood warnings along the River Thames from Datchet to Shepperton Green, including Ham Court and Chertsey, as river levels in the area are extremely high and are forecast to continue to rise.
A further two severe flood warnings remain in force at Saltmoor and Northmoor, including Moorland, and for the A361, East Lyng to Burrowbridge, as flooding continues on the Somerset Levels.
Wettest January since 1766
England has faced the wettest January since 1766 and we are moving towards the wettest winter (December, January and February) in 250 years in England. Over the past week more than 600 homes have flooded, although some 180,000 properties have been protected from flooding and over 138,000 properties have been sent a free flood warning.
Successive bands of rain which have been affecting the country all week are expected to continue until at least Tuesday, causing river levels to rise along the River Thames, the Severn and the Dorset Stour as well as across most of the south west, central southern and south east England.
Significant groundwater flooding is also expected in the coming days in Hampshire, Kent and parts of London. Local authorities will work with utility companies to respond to these incidents.
Environment Agency teams working day and night
Environment Agency teams continue to be out in force across England day and night, deploying demountable defences, repairing damaged coastal defences, deploying sandbags along riverbanks, clearing river blockages, monitoring water levels and sending out flood warnings. Additional Environment Agency staff from across the country have been deployed to provide extra support in affected areas.
Paul Leinster, Chief Executive of Environment Agency, said:
“Our hearts and sincere sympathy go out to those who have already experienced the dreadful aftermath of flooding. Our teams will continue to work around the clock to protect lives, homes, businesses, communities and farmland over the coming days.
“Extreme weather will continue to threaten communities this week, with further severe flooding expected Monday evening into Tuesday along the Thames in Berkshire and Surrey. River levels are high across south west, central and southern England and further rain has the potential to cause significant flooding.
“I urge the public to sign up to our receive free flood warnings, check their flood risk, and keep up to date with the latest situation on the Environment Agency website and on social media using #floodaware.”
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